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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Immunoblot Analysis
Published on: June 20, 2008
Immunoblot analysis to demonstrate antigenic variability of clinical isolated. Pseudomonas pseudomallei
G Lertmemongkolchai1, W Manmontri, C Leelayuwat
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas pseudomallei (Ps.ps.) is the causative organism of melioidosis, and is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Clinical manifestations range from subclinical infection to fulminant septicemia. To demonstrate the antigenic variability of Ps.ps., 62 clinical isolates from 31 blood, 13 sputum, 9 pus, 3 urine and 6 body fluid culture specimens were studied by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. In SDS-PAGE, there were approximately 20 antigenic components with molecular weights ranging from 14 to 66 kilodaltons (KD) which suggested that there was antigenic variability among these 62 clinical isolates of Ps.ps. Attempts to correlate immunoblot profiles with clinical illness or sources of specimens were not successful but 6 common antigens were identified with molecular weight of 17.5, 21, 33, 34, 40 and 45 KD, respectively. Among these antigens, the 45 KD component was recognised by all patients' sera. Thus, the 45 KD protein antigen may be useful for the future approach in immunodiagnosis of melioidosis.
Insights
This study investigated antigenic variability in Pseudomonas pseudomallei, the cause of melioidosis. A 45 KD protein antigen was identified, showing potential for future melioidosis immunodiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Melioidosis is caused by Pseudomonas pseudomallei (Ps.ps.), prevalent in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
- Clinical presentations of melioidosis vary from asymptomatic to severe septicemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antigenic variability of Ps.ps. clinical isolates.
- To identify potential antigens for melioidosis immunodiagnosis.
Main Methods:
- SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting were used to analyze 62 clinical isolates of Ps.ps.
- Antigenic components and their molecular weights were determined.
Main Results:
- SDS-PAGE revealed approximately 20 antigenic components (14-66 KD), indicating antigenic variability.
- Six common antigens (17.5, 21, 33, 34, 40, and 45 KD) were identified.
- A 45 KD protein antigen was recognized by all tested patient sera.
Conclusions:
- The 45 KD protein antigen shows promise as a target for the immunodiagnosis of melioidosis.
- Further research into this antigen could lead to improved diagnostic tools for melioidosis.
